
Visa and Residence Permit for Italian Language Courses: Complete Guide
Learn how to obtain a visa and residence permit to study Italian in Italy. Types of visas, requirements, documents, timelines, and the full procedure.
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Complete guide to learning Italian in Italy
Do you dream of learning Italian while living in Italy, surrounded by culture, food, and authentic beauty? Attending an intensive language course directly in Italy is the fastest way to learn the language, prepare for university, or enter the job market.
The language course visa allows non-EU citizens to legally enter Italy and attend a recognized Italian language course. But be careful: the length of the course matters.
š” If the course lasts more than 90 days, you'll need a Type D visa (for study purposes) and you'll be eligible for a residence permit.
ā³ If the course is under 90 days, a Type C visa (tourist-study) is enough ā but you won't get a residence permit and cannot extend your stay once in Italy.
Ready to start your journey? Follow the steps below to understand the complete process.
You can apply if:
You're enrolled in an intensive course (at least 20 hours per week for a Type D visa) at a recognized school
You live outside the European Union
You have confirmed accommodation in Italy
You have valid health insurance for your entire stay (Schengen or private)
You have sufficient financial means: at least USD 35 per day (approx. ā¬28/day) ā regardless of the course type
With a residence permit from a Type D visa, you can also work part-time and later convert your permit into a work or family permit (if eligible).
Basic costs breakdown:
| Expense Type | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Language course | ā¬1,000ā2,500 per semester |
| Rent | From ā¬300/month, depending on the city |
| Daily expenses | ā¬300ā500/month |
| Insurance | Around ā¬150/year |
Costs vary significantly by city. Milan and Rome are the most expensive, while southern cities and smaller towns offer more affordable options.
For intensive long-term courses:
Perfect for those planning to build a future in Italy through language learning.
For short-term courses:
Ideal for summer courses or short intensive programs without long-term plans.
Complete document checklist for your application
All foreign documents must be officially translated into Italian and legalized with apostille or consular authentication.
With Future Italian, every step is guided and stress-free. We take care of the bureaucracy while you focus on learning Italian.
From start to finish: here's everything that happens step by step
Choose the right language school and course. We help you find recognized schools that match your goals and budget.
Gather all required documents including financial proof, accommodation, and health insurance. We assist with translations and legalizations.
Submit your complete application at the Italian Consulate or Embassy in your home country. The process includes scheduling an appointment, submitting your documents, and possibly attending an interview.
Wait for visa approval (typically 15-30 working days, depending on season and location). Receive your language course visa and prepare for travel.
Once you arrive in Italy with a Type C visa, you can start your language course directly. Remember: your stay ends when the visa expires and no residence permit is available.
Once you arrive in Italy with a Type D visa, apply for residence permit (permesso di soggiorno) within 8 working days at the local questura.
š Your language course visa is approved! Welcome to your Italian learning journey.
Complete process from application to arrival in Italy.
Average processing time
Feeling lost with visas, forms, and consular appointments? We've got you covered. With Future Italian, every step is guided and stress-free.
We help you choose the right course and explain all your options
We help you fill out forms, check your documents, and handle translations
We book your consular appointment and prep you for the interview
We welcome you and help you get your residence permit, tax code, and settle in
We help you convert your permit into work or family, if you qualify
With Future Italian, you're never alone
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